Lessons in elder care

GCC to offer free classes

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College will begin offering free long-term health care training sessions this June, thanks to a state grant the college received this week.

The $41,739 “Rapid Response” grant will pay for free classes to as many as 200 individuals interested in expanding their elder care training — although the number of students will be lower if people sign up for multiple classes.

The courses — which include sessions like “Caring for People with Alzheimer’s Disease” and “Assisted Dining” — are geared toward local workers who have direct contact with elders as well as community members interested in joining the field.

One class, “Psychology of Death is Dying,” is already offered at GCC and will be split into three one-credit sessions — which could then be used toward certificates or degrees.

The rest will be non-credit sessions, taught both at GCC and in the workplace.

GCC officials said the grant will help employers train workers and improve the long-term care they offer.

“This grant is a concrete example of the state providing resources to do targeted workforce development work in the challenging conditions of a rural community,” said Robert Barba, dean for community education, in a prepared statement.

Ten of the state’s 15 community colleges received “Rapid Response” grants — for a total of $1.75 million.

For more information, contact GCC’s Director of Workforce Development Alyce Stiles at 413-775-1607.